Matchbox Twenty began in 1996 as "Matchbox 20". Before that,
matchsticks Thomas, Yale, and Doucette began with the Orlando-based
band "Tabitha's Secret". Tabitha's Secret started as Thomas, John
Goff, Jay Stanley, Yale, and Chris Smith. Doucette later joined and
was followed by the departure of Smith. Tabitha's Secret broke up for
unknown reasons just prior the formation of Matchbox Twenty. Thomas,
Yale, and Doucette later recruited Cook and rhythm guitarist Adam
Gaynor. Doucette discovered the name "Matchbox 20". Doucette was
working as a waiter at a restaurant at the time, and had spotted it
on a jersey.

The band entered the studios for the recording of their first
album. Titled "Yourself or Someone Like You", the bands album spawned
a series of hits. "Long Day" was a minor hit, but "Push" would create
a well-deserved break onto mainstream radio. But with the
breakthrough hit followed a flow of criticism, mainly from feminists
who accused Thomas of wanting to push people around. But Thomas
denies saying that it's a song about emotional pain. Doucette also
points out that the line "I want to take you for granted" implies
that it isn't about physically hurting someone. Another hit was
"3am", which was a misunderstood song as far as back-story went. The
song itself was about a time when Thomas was in his early teen years
and his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Thomas has described "Back
2 Good" as his crying song, as well as a song about constantly
screwing up. "Real World" was also another hit off the album.

Touring followed for the next few years. Getting drunk at the bar
after the concert became a habit. That habit would soon change for
Thomas. In 1998, Thomas became a new man, as he married model Marisol
Maldenado. Just a year later, Thomas went on to co-write and sing the
1999 hit song "Smooth" with Santana. Marisol also appeared in the
video.

The band reentered the studio for the follow up album "Mad
Season". But it would be a different studio session then their
previous album. Thomas and Doucette began arguing and eventually
Doucette quit the band. Doucette's absence would be brief as he soon
rejoined when they recorded "The Burn". "Mad Season" was released in
2000, which spawned hits such as "Mad Season", "If You're Gone", and
"Bent". "If You're Gone" was written by Thomas for his wife. Another
noticeable change besides Thomas ditching the mascara is that the
name had been changed from "Matchbox 20" to "Matchbox Twenty". The
band also experimented with an orchestra, on the songs "You Won't Be
Mine" and "Bed of Lies".

After a short-lived break, Matchbox Twenty returned to the studio
yet again. This time for their third album. Just a year before, the
band appeared on VH1's "Storytellers". Turning the recording of the
third album, VH1's "Behind The Music" aired. The third album was
titled "More Than You Think You Are". The first single was "Disease",
which was co-written by the Rolling Stones' front man Mick Jagger.
The huge hit "Unwell" followed, and then "Bright Lights". The album
also featured Doucette's first song "Could I Be You."

Just a year after the third album hit stores, the band announced
the release of the six-track "EP". EP featured live and acoustic
material as well as the previously unreleased track "Suffer Me". Also
to be released is the DVD "Show: A Night In The Life Of Matchbox
Twenty".

Early 2005, Rolling Stone reported sad news for Matchbox Twenty
fans everywhere. Gaynor had left the band. It's legitimacy was
shrouded in speculation until Gaynor confirmed it on his website.
Like the breakup of Tabitha's Secret, no definite answer was
given.

The band splits to do their own projects for a bit. Thomas
finishes his solo debut and the highly anticipated " Something
To Be". Cook tours with his band "The New Left". Yale is silent.
Doucette silently works on his solo debut. Former member Gaynor
continues towards his solo debut.

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